Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Racing win 6-3 (again?!) - Argentina

Two weeks ago, Racing Club managed to beat Unión de Santa Fe 6-3 in an away game in Argentina's Primera División. Now they did it again. Last night, Atlético Rafaela hosted Racing and were defeated 3-6 by the champions of 2014.

Marcos Acuña defends the ball from Bruno Urribarri. (Photo: perfil.com)
Fans inside the Estadio Nuevo Monumental witnessed another breathtaking performance of Racing's outstanding offense. It was not until the second half that the visitors really got going, after the first 45 minutes ended tied 2-2. But even those provided excellent entertainment for fans and viewers all over the world. 

Federico Anselmo gave the outsiders an early 2nd minute lead with an excellent finish after being played through the centre of Racing's defense by Gabriel Morales. A lead that lasted for exactly seven minutes, because Marcos Acuña converted a direct freekick into the bottom right corner. 

Until the first half was 50% done, both teams had added yet another goal to their total. Lisandro López was wide open in the middle of the penalty area and picked out by Ricardo Noir, whose run had pulled the goalkeeper out of the goal and left López an open net to shoot at (14'). Anselmo himself added his second goal in the 21st, heading home a corner from the left.

Especially towards the end of the first half, Racing were in control and could have capitalized on further chances. The guests were dominating, in particular through great contributions from Noir and Acuña. In addition, Gustavo Bou was finally back in the starting lineup for his team and should pay back that trust later. He is simply so much fun to watch on the field. 

Racing kept dominating in the second half and got the rewards for it after all. Nicolás Sánchez (50') and Lisandro López (54') with his second were successful early on. Do you think Sánchez meant it?


After 65 minutes, Bou was the man that put the game tonight out of Rafaela's reach. He scored a typical goal for a mobile striker like him, turning around on the edge of the area after receiving Noir's pass and firing it into the goal. You had to feel a little for substitute keeper Axel Werner who could not do anything about any of them.

Just as the game was decided and calmed down a little, we got to see two more goals in the final ten minutes. First, Rafaela decided to make it a little closer again through Facundo Parra's right-footed shot (82'), before Facundo Pereyra restored the 3-goal lead with a magnificent finish (87').

While Rafaela was a bit of a mess during the second half, you have to critically take a look at Racing's defense as well. Despite competing with the best clubs in Zone 2 by now, they have given up a staggering 17 goals against now, just one less than league-leading Colón. Obviously, they need to rely on their offense to get the job done for them and they just might. Along with Defensa y Justicia, they have now found the back of the net 19 times, admittedly 12 of them came from just two matches.

Coach Facundo Sava needs to find a way to shut the open door at the back, since teams such as Lanús and Estudiantes, who are competing against Racing, can rely on their back lines significantly more. If defenses with championships, they are in the advantage at the halfway point of Argentina's Primera División season.

One thing is for certain though: If you want entertainment, do not look any further than Racing's games. Especially skillful players keep finding ways to beat their defense.

Check out the league table here: Click.

Racing Club play Tigre at home after the international break, Atlético Rafaela visit the Bombonera to take on Boca Juniors.

0 comments:

Post a Comment